City of Cedar Rapids: Tree City USA Recipient

Cedar Rapids, IA – April 19, 2023 – The City of Cedar Rapids was recently honored with the 2022 Tree City USA Award at the 32nd Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources April 12 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. Cedar Rapids has been a Tree City USA award winner for the past 45 years, longer than any other city in the state.

“The Tree City USA award is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees,” says state forester Jeff Goerndt. “Your community has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa communities by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations.”

Cedar Rapids was one of 74 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA status. To receive the award, a city must, at a minimum, have either a city forester or an active city tree board; have a tree ordinance; spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program; and have a tree planting and maintenance plan. 

A tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day will be held on Friday, April 28 with students from Kenwood Elementary School. Mayor O’Donnell will read the Arbor Day proclamation. City Arborist Todd Fagan, Cedar Rapids Forestry, Trees Forever, Linn County Conservation, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources will provide education on tree identification, tree biology, and tree planting. Forestry trucks and equipment will be on display.

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